Introduction

At the start of A Clash of Kings (ACoK), Stannis Baratheon firmly believes he is the rightful king of Westeros. This belief stems primarily from his claim as the legitimate heir to the Iron Throne after the death of his brother, King Robert Baratheon. However, Stannis's conviction is significantly bolstered by the revelations communicated by Ned Stark, detailing the illicit relationship between Cersei Lannister and her brother Jaime. This article explores how Stannis first believes in his claim to the throne and the pivotal moment when Ned Stark reveals the controversial truth.

Stannis's Initial Belief

Stannis Baratheon, unlike many in Westeros, harbors a deep-seated conviction that he is the rightful king of Westeros. He views himself as the legitimate heir to the Iron Throne due to his lineage and the fact that he is the only remaining male member of the Baratheon line.

The Incestuous Relationship and the Lannister Children

Stannis's belief is further solidified by the realization that King Robert's children, Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen, are illegitimate. This conclusion is drawn from the fact that these children were fathered through Cersei Lannister's incestuous relationship with her brother, Jaime Lannister. Stannis feels a strong sense of justice and a deep adherence to the law, which strengthens his resolve to claim the throne.

Ned Stark's Revelation

The pivotal moment for Stannis's belief comes when Ned Stark, through his own investigation, uncovers the truth about the Lannister children's parentage. Ned learns about this information while investigating the legitimacy of the previous kings. Unlike Stannis, Ned did not initially inform Stannis due to the political ramifications, but he eventually did so through a letter before his death.

The Letter to Stannis

In A Game of Thrones, Ned Stark gives a small scroll to one of his men, instructing him to deliver it to Stannis directly. The letter informs Stannis that Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen are not Robert's children and were fathered by Jaime Lannister. Stannis receives this information on Robert's deathbed and is told, through the letter, that Joffrey is not the rightful heir to the throne and that Stannis is.

Ned's Independent Discovery

While Ned Stark independently discovers the truth and rushes to inform Stannis, Stannis himself had already figured out the incestuous relationship and the illegitimacy of the Lannister children months before. This realization prompted Stannis to seek the support of Jon Arryn, who further investigated the matter. When Arryn dies, Stannis goes to Dragonstone to secure his position.

Stannis's Motivation and Actions

Stannis's conviction in his claim to the Iron Throne is not just about lineage and justice. He views himself as the only true heir to Robert's legacy and is determined to rally support against the Lannisters. Stannis's actions throughout A Clash of Kings are driven by this belief, as he seeks to challenge the Lannister claim to the throne and bring about a just and lawful rule.

Conclusion

The revelation of Cersei Lannister and Jaime Lannister's incestuous relationship significantly shapes Stannis Baratheon's claim to the Iron Throne. Ned Stark's letter to Stannis and the subsequent political upheaval provide Stannis with the information he needs to challenge the legitimacy of the Lannister claimants. Stannis's journey in the novels is marked by a deep-seated belief in his right to the throne, spurred by both personal discovery and the guidance of those who come to understand the truth.